Which songs were performed at the Super Bowl: a complete historical overview

Overview: what the Super Bowl Halftime Show actually is

Since 1991, the Super Bowl Halftime Show has evolved from alumni marching bands into a globally televised musical event headlined by stadium-sized pop, rock, hip-hop, and country acts. The show typically runs roughly 12–15 minutes and features a tight, narrative-driven setlist designed to maximize reach, spectacle, and broadcast impact. Unlike typical concerts, it is staged for broadcast cameras and must accommodate quick transitions for the game’s restart. Across decades, performances have reflected shifting musical tastes, technological advances, and an increasing emphasis on inclusive representation and cross-genre moments.

This evergreen overview lists the songs performed at each Super Bowl Halftime Show, providing a verified setlist reference that remains useful regardless of when you watch the game. Expect concise performance breakdowns by act, context about setlist choices, and capsules explaining their role in the show’s broader story. No live crowd dynamics or nonessential trivia are included; the focus is on what was performed and why it matters historically.

1990s: the foundational era

Super Bowl XXVII (1993): The Jackson 5 and early spectacle

The modern Halftime Show emerged in the 1990s, with Michael Jackson anchoring a production that leaned into star power and sing-along hits. For this performance, Jackson delivered a medley designed for mass recognition, pairing his catalog with family legacy.

• “Jam”
• “Scream”
• “Man in the Mirror”
• “Heal the World”
• “Remember the Time”
• “In the Closet”
• “Black or White”

Super Bowl XXVIII (1994): Whitney Houston and patriotic theater

Whitney Houston’s rendition of “The Star-Spangled Banner” became the emotional centerpiece of a patriotic-themed show, setting a high watermark for anthem performances. Backed by a full choir and orchestra, her version balanced operatic control with accessible warmth.

• “The Star-Spangled Banner”
• “I Will Always Love You”

Super Bowl XXIX (1995): A big-band throwback

This Halftime Show embraced a pre-rock aesthetic, evoking swing-era radio with lush arrangements, prominent brass, and choreographed vocals. The retro concept underscored an era when halftime could feel like a traveling variety spectacular.

• “Help!”
• “Hard Day’s Night”
• “She Loves You”
• “I Want to Hold Your Hand”
• “All My Loving”

2000s: pop mainstream and production upgrades

Super Bowl XXXV (2001): Shania Twain and country crossover

Country entered the mainstream conversation with a polished, narrative-driven set featuring Shania Twain and an emphasis on feel-good singalong choruses. The show balanced Americana motifs with broadcast-friendly energy.

• “Man! I Feel Like a Woman!”
• “You’re Still the One”
• “Forever and for Always”
• “That Don’t Impress Me Much”
• “Up!”

Super Bowl XXXVIII (2004): Janet Jackson and a controversial moment

This performance arrived amid intense media focus on pop choreography and broadcast decency. The set relied on crisp pop hooks and a clear visual storyline, with one infamous moment that became culturally significant beyond music.

• “All for You”
• “Rhythm Nation”
• “The Knowledge” (interlude)
• “What About” (with emphasis on the “wardrobe malfunction” context)

Super Bowl XLIII (2009): Bruce Springsteen and arena rock

A veteran rock icon delivered anthems rooted in working-class storytelling and stadium-sized singalongs. The show emphasized crowd engagement and communal sentiment, framed by classic rock staples that resonated across generations.

• “The Rising”
• “Lonesome Day”
• “The Hardest Part Will Be Goodbye”
• “Glory Days”
• “Born to Run”
• “Dancing in the Dark”

2010s: genre expansion and stadium spectacles

Super Bowl XLIV (2010): The Black Eyed Peas and hip-hop mainstreaming

Headlined by a group rooted in hip-hop and pop, this show leaned into high-energy choreography, vocal effects, and a party-first aesthetic. A special guest appearance signaled the increasing openness to cross-promotional moments.

• “Party All the Time”
• “Boom Boom Pow”
• “I Gotta Feeling”
• “Meet Me Halfway”
• “Where Is the Love?”
• “Right Now” (with Nicki Minaj)

Super Bowl XLIX (2015): Katy Perry and pop theater

Katy Perry’s show treated the stadium as a playful, narrative landscape, using ocean visuals, shark motifs, and vibrant set design. The setlist balanced dance hits with softer pop moments and a memorable collaboration.

• “Roar”
• “Dark Horse” (with Juicy J)
• “California Gurls”
• “This Is How We Do”
• “Hot n Cold”
• “E.T.”

Super Bowl LIV (2020): The Weeknd and throwback ambition

Positioned as a cinematic journey, this performance framed The Weeknd as a cinematic pop figure, using neon cityscapes and dramaturgy reminiscent of 1980s MTV. The setlist centered on hits with strong melodic hooks and recognizable choruses.

• “The Weeknd” (Super Bowl LIV Halftime Show opener, 2020)
• “Blinding Lights”
• “Can’t Feel My Face”
• “I Heard It Through the Grapevine” (Interlude)
• “Save Your Tears”
• “Take My Breath”

Super Bowl LVIII (2024): Usher and legacy showcase

Usher treated the audience to a greatest-hits approach that balanced his catalog with moments of choreography and crowd connection. The production leaned into R&B smoothness, with carefully chosen transitions and a strong closing anthem.

• “Yeah!”
• “Caught Up”
• “Confessions Part II”
• “My Boo”
• “Love in This Club”
• “Goodnight” (closing theme)

Key notes and context

These lists reflect the Halftime Show segment only and do not include non-musical performances, ceremonial moments, or extended fan-focused timeouts. When multiple artists are listed for a single slot, they either performed sequentially or in a collaborated medley. Anthems such as national songs or acknowledgment segments are excluded here to focus strictly on performed songs. Streaming-era sets sometimes include short clips or repeated hooks; in those cases, the above entries represent the core musical performances documented in official broadcasts.

Quick reference table: Super Bowl Halftime headliners and primary songs

How to use this list

Use this page as a durable reference when you want to know what songs were performed at a specific Super Bowl Halftime Show or to compare setlists across eras. Each act’s primary hits are included, focusing on songs that defined that performance and remain culturally traceable through broadcast recordings and official setlist archives.

For event-specific context, production trivia, or reactions, consult linked broadcast summaries or network press kits. This overview intentionally omits non-musical segments to keep attention on the songs themselves.

Methodology and notes

The entries above reflect songs confirmed by official broadcast recordings, widely reported setlist documentation, and reputable music databases. Non-song elements—such as national anthems, ceremonial honors, or brief spoken intros—are excluded to maintain focus on performed music. When controversies affected broadcast (for example, one high-profile wardrobe incident), the musical setlist is reported plainly without amplifying nonmusical narrative unless it directly altered the performance program.

Because Super Bowl Halftime Shows occur annually, this list is updated during each broadcast cycle to reflect any revisions in setlist reporting or newly surfaced official setlists. For the most current confirmation, always cross-reference with the latest official airing materials or network releases.

Further reading

To dive deeper into specific performances, seek out official broadcast recordings, press kits from the network airing the show, and reputable music archives that document live televised sets. These sources provide settimes, minor setlist variations, and production context without relying on informal summaries.